Oyetola rules out Osun 2026 governorship ambition

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has formally declared that he will not seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2026 governorship election in the state.

Speaking during a weekend stakeholders meeting in Osogbo, Oyetola encouraged other aspirants in the party to contest with mutual respect and without hostility.

Although initially speculated to be eyeing another term alongside aspirants like Senator Ajibola Basiru, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, Senators Iyiola Omisore and Mudashiru Husain, and Omooba Dotun Babayemi, Oyetola announced he was stepping aside.

“You should all avoid the campaign of calumny and be your brother’s keeper. I am no longer interested in vying for the governorship ticket with you,” he stated.

Oyetola expressed strong optimism about the APC’s prospects in the 2026 polls, citing growing party support and unity.

“You all can see that the APC remains the party to beat anytime and any day. As of today, we are receiving people into the party, and many are still coming.

“This development has further attested to our vibrancy, potency and formidability. This has always been my dream to build a virile, potent and formidable party that would return the progressives to government.
“I thank God that this is manifesting, and I can assure you that God on our side, we will win the governorship election next year in Osun State and deliver our state with massive votes for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The minister dismissed the opposition alliance as lacking cohesion and built on weak foundations.

“We have many justifications to send the current government packing, and we will return our party to the government next year by God’s grace.

“We have qualified, quality, competent and people of outstanding track records as aspirants contesting for the governorship election, and this is a unique selling proposition to feast on, and we will continue to complement the federal government’s efforts on all fronts,” he added.
Addressing the alliance of rival parties, Oyetola dismissed its threat to the APC’s chances, describing it as unstable and unsustainable.

“Whatever builds on conspiracy, connivance and vendetta will collapse, and it is crystal clear that the coalition is drifting to collapse. This has no iota of effect on us, particularly in Osun. We knew this since it is the same TOP that metamorphosed to Omoluabi and later ADC. We are resolute to come victorious in the future elections, and this is incontestable”, Oyetola assured.

Among the aspirants present at the meeting were Senator Babajide Omoworare and Barrister Kunle Adegoke, SAN.

(VANGUARD)